Meghalaya all set to have mining policy

Shillong, Jun 29 (UNI) Meghalaya is all set to have a mining policy to regulate unscientific mining in different areas of this mineral rich state, official sources said here today.

The state Mining and Geology department has prepared a Cabinet memo on mining policy which has also been sent to the Finance and Power departments for their opinion before putting up before the Cabinet for its approval.

Mining and Geology Commissioner and Secretary Arindam Som said as the Cabinet memo on the mining policy was ready, the mining policy should be ready by the middle of July.

Mr Som said the Finance and Power departments have been given a week's time to provide their opinions.

''As soon as we get the opinion of these two departments we will send the draft mining policy to Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy and the Mining and Geology Ministers,'' he said.

The Indian Bureau of Mining (IBM), Coal India Limited (CIL) and Geological Survey of India were also involved in preparing the draft mining policy along with the state department of Mining and Geology.

Last year, the State Development Reforms Commission (SDRC), headed by former Chief Minister E K Mawlong, suggested that a proper mineral and mining policy must be put in place in Meghalaya.

The SDRC had also organised a two-day workshop on the ''impact of air and water pollution on the quality of life and solutions.'' After the workshop a report was prepared and sent to the state government.

The recommendations incorporated in the report were a culmination of the two-day discussions attended by policy makers, academicians, NGOs and individuals.

The SDRC strongly recommended the establishment of a state Natural Resources Planning Board and making use of the powers provided by the new Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006.

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